In what has already become a stormy pre-match debate, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sparked a major controversy a few hours before the decisive return match of the Champions League semi-final between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona. Instead of projecting the expected neutrality of its position, Infantino publicly declared its loyalty and has not joined the Catalan team.
While Inter preparing to welcome Barça in the emblematic San Siro, football fans around the world are looking forward to an exciting meeting. The first leg ended with a spectacular draw 3-3 in Montjuïc, opening the way to a decisive return match with a place in the final of the Champions League at stake. However, in the middle of the excitement, the attention was somewhat diverted by more unexpected voices.
During a public appearance at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, Infantino declared openly: “Everyone knows that I am a fan of Inter”, with a smile far from being innocent. The declaration, although brief, aroused a wave of criticism, especially from the Catalan media and supporters of FC Barcelona.
Observers were quick to point out that such declarations by the president of FIFA, the highest world official, could infringe the impartiality and credibility of the governing body. FIFA, often criticized for its biases and controversial decisions, may now have to answer uncomfortable questions about the limits of personal opinion and institutional duty.
To top it off, Infantino did not just admit his loyalty to the club. He continued to underline the force of Inter, by focusing particularly on Lautaro Martínez, the Argentinian striker who remains uncertain for the semi-final due to muscle discomfort. “Lautaro is a key asset for Inter,” said Infantino, strengthening the perception he tied up the scales even before the battle begins.
Infantino’s comments come at a time when the pressure on the referees and the Var officials is already immense. While the world of football is divided into passionate camps and the glory of the Champions League is at stake, the slightest trace of favoritism, even verbal, can lead to accusations of partiality or conspiracy.
The assertion “Inter is the Argentinian team”, made in reference to legends such as Diego Simeone, Javier Zanetti and Diego Milito, can be a nod to the history of football. However, for many Barça supporters, it is a direct insult and a not so subtle attempt to align the sympathies of the world of football on the Nerazzurri.
In Catalonia, indignation was rapid and intense. Sports newspapers such asSportetSports Worldhave published titles criticizing the lack of professionalism of infantino, qualifying its declarations as “shameful” and “attack on the values of fair play”. For a city that has long struggled for recognition and justice, on the ground as outside, this episode looks like a deep betrayal.
Some fans went to social networks to demand official apology from FIFA. “The president of FIFA should not behave like a supporter. We expect balance, no bias, ”wrote a user. Another added: “If Barça is eliminated, are we now going to suspect a backstage of FIFA? »»
FC Barcelona, for its part, remained publicly silent. No official statement has yet been published by the club, although sources close to the club suggest that the board of directors is “indignant” and closely monitors any sign of biased arbitration during the return match.
This is not the first time that Infantino’s behavior has aroused controversy. Their presence at major global events, such as the World Cup and high -level matches, has often been criticized to blur the border between diplomacy and Fandom. But this could be the most direct declaration to date, the one that could have tangible repercussions.
Football, and in particular the Champions League, prosperous thanks to the perception of equity. The beauty of sport lies in its unpredictability and in the idea that once the whistle has been turned, each team has a fair chance. Infantino’s statements, even if they are light, threaten to undermine this fundamental conviction.
The timing could not be worse. Inter and Barça tackle the match with all their intensity and tactical battles are expected in all corners of the field. Xavi’s men are determined to prove their value after an eventful season, while Simone Inzaghi’s team feels good thanks to the confidence and support of the house. The last thing one or the other team needs is that an outdoor drama is to overshadow their efforts.
Even neutral supporters are divided. Some say that infant’s comments are a harmless expression of fans’ feelings. Others believe that the director of FIFA should refrain from any form of public bias. As an Italian television commentator said: “It was not what he said, but who said it. This is what makes the difference. »»
It remains to be seen whether the infanti declaration will have a real influence on the result. The truth is that the intensity of the semi-final has further intensified and the attention is now on not only on the players, but also on the president of FIFA himself.
As the kick -off approaches, San Siro is preparing to welcome one of the most anticipated matches of the season. But beyond goals, tactics and drama, a question remains: can we trust football to stay free from prejudices when even his most powerful figure can not resist the urge to choose his camp?
In a game where perception is often as important as performance, the infantino faux pas of infantino has already added oil to the fire. And if a controversy arises during the match, his words could come back to haunt him, both for him and for FIFA.
Whatever the result on the ground, the battle outside the field for integrity and fairness has already started. And the world of football is looking.
